I Actually Ran During the Holiday

I took my running clothes with me on my trip. The kids didn't believe that I would actually run at all while I was down there. Hah!! I showed them. I put in 3 miles at the hotel on the day we arrived and then put in another 6,000 miles walking in Disneyland. I'm glad I packed the running shoes because I wore those the whole time I was at the park vs my casual shoes that look nice but don't have a lot of cushioning.

Going from temperatures in the low 20s to the low 70s was a nice relief. Coming home to be greeted by 3 inches of snow on my driveway was not pleasant. I was in an even less grateful to be home mood when I was finished running the snowblower with just my jacket and no gloves. I don't think we were in California long enough.

I am back and planning my 2010 running schedule. The Salt Lake Marathon is in April and Ogden is in May. I'm thinking probably the 1/2 for SLC and the full for Ogden. Then there is St. George. Do I submit my name again this year or just stick with the Top of Utah? Decisions, decisions....

Running blahs...

My running hasn't been stellar. Sure, I'm still in recovery from my injury, but I also have been cleared to run for 2 weeks now. How much have I put in? Twice. I could give a list of reasons, but fact is I haven't really been motivated. The weather has been cold and snowy and I just haven't felt any desire to go to the track.

I went last night and it felt really good. I still have some stiffness and the muscles are a little tender, but I was able to get up to a speed where I was able to hold my own with the little old ladies speed walking. I pushed it a little for the last 1/2 mile enough so that I could actually feel a bit of sweat breaking out...it was a nice change.

I am planning on one more day this week and then we're off to sunny California until Christmas. I doubt I'll get much running in, but walking all over will be good for me. I am also looking toward 2010 for the many races I would like to do. I'm definitely planning on the Salt Lake City Half-Marathon and the Top of Utah Marathon. In between those two there are a bunch of options for me. I'd like to tack on another marathon and half, but I also get to play it smart.

If I'm not back on until after the holidays, have a Merry Christmas.

On the Road Again

YES! I hit the track last night with a little trepidation. Part of me was very excited to have the green light to run again and another part of me was saying "what if it still hurts? Then what are you going to do?" I am happy to report that other than a little tightness there was no pain and I was able to put in a 30 minute run. It was slow and I was working on implementing some of the changes the doc said, but overall it was good. A few minutes before I was finished I starting feeling that "sweet spot" again. The point where your mind shuts off, your body gets into a natural rhythm and the run becomes like a meditation.

Anyway, a day of rest, a day of cross training and then I'll be able to run again. It's nowhere near the pace I was at, but the doctor reassured me that if I take it easy it will only be a month before I am back to my pace.

I'll leave you with my video tribute of the day.